Trauma, Tea, and Tangents

Brain Spotting Explained: How Trauma Is Stored in the Body & Brain

What if healing trauma wasn’t about talking more — but about helping the brain process what words can’t reach?
In this episode of Trauma, Tea, and Tangents, Hannah Guy sits down with licensed therapist Ashley Pettway, LPC, to explore Brain Spotting — an innovative trauma therapy modality often compared to EMDR that helps clients process unresolved trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and deeply stored emotional experiences.
Ashley breaks down how Brain Spotting works, why traditional talk therapy sometimes falls short for trauma healing, and how this brain-body approach can help people process experiences that feel “stuck.” Together, they discuss complex trauma, emotional processing, the role of the therapist during sessions, and why individualized treatment matters in trauma therapy.
Whether you’re curious about Brain Spotting for yourself, are already in trauma therapy, or simply want to better understand how trauma impacts the brain and body, this episode offers an accessible and insightful introduction to one of the fastest-growing trauma modalities.
In this episode, we cover:• What Brain Spotting is and how it works• The difference between Brain Spotting and EMDR• Why trauma is often stored in the body• The limitations of traditional talk therapy• Complex trauma and nervous system healing• Emotional processing and regulation• What a Brain Spotting session actually looks like• Integrating Brain Spotting with other therapy approaches• Accessibility, insurance, and trauma therapy costs
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in trauma healing, EMDR, Brain Spotting, somatic therapy, and mental health.
Watch the full episode on YouTube and follow along for more conversations around trauma recovery, nervous system healing, therapy, and mental wellness.
CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction to Brain Spotting01:00 – Understanding Brain Spotting02:17 – Why Talk Therapy Sometimes Isn’t Enough05:05 – The Role of Emotions in Healing06:48 – The Iceberg of Therapy09:31 – Insurance & Accessibility in Therapy12:18 – Navigating Trauma Therapy Funding15:16 – Client Engagement During Brain Spotting15:41 – Trauma, Memory & Brain Processing16:45 – Complex Trauma Explained18:35 – The Therapist’s Role in Brain Spotting20:30 – Brain Spotting Techniques & Tools24:15 – Combining Brain Spotting with Other Modalities27:18 – Final Thoughts on Healing & Recovery
#BrainSpotting #TraumaTherapy #EMDR #MentalHealthPodcast #TraumaHealing #SomaticTherapy #NervousSystemHealing #ComplexTrauma #TherapyPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness
✨ Want more of Ashley Pettway?
Find her here:
Instagram & TikTok: @theunseriouscounselor
✨ Want to work with Hannah and the trauma therapy team at Revive Therapy Services?You’ve gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.comAnd don’t forget to follow along on TikTok & IG: @revivetherapyservices
If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow Trauma, Tea, and Tangents and share it with a fellow therapist or someone considering private practice.
 

What No One Tells Therapists About Starting a Practice

In this episode of Trauma, Tea, and Tangents, we sit down with therapist and business owner Kamber Peerboom, LICSW, to break down what it actually takes to start and grow a private practice.
From the lack of business training in graduate programs to the fear of financial instability, we’re having an honest conversation about the barriers therapists face—and how to move through them with confidence.
Whether you’re a new therapist or thinking about going out on your own, this episode gives you practical insights to help you build a sustainable, aligned practice without burning out.
You can watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on any podcast platform.
In this episode, we cover:
Why therapists aren’t taught the business side of private practice
Common fears about starting your own therapy business
Financial considerations and how to prepare
The truth about “gatekeeping” in the therapy industry
How to diversify your income as a therapist
Building a sustainable and profitable private practice
Key Takeaways:
Business skills are essential for long-term success in private practice
Fear and uncertainty are common—but they don’t have to hold you back
Diversifying your income can increase stability and prevent burnout
You don’t need decades of experience to start your own practice
About Our Guest:
Kamber Peerboom is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (L.I.C.S.W.) and founder of Loud Thoughts Therapy. With a background in business (MBA) and a passion for helping therapists grow, she supports clinicians in building successful and sustainable practices.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Business Side of Therapy 04:32 Why Therapists Aren’t Taught Business Skills 08:15 Common Fears About Starting a Private Practice 12:40 Financial Planning & What to Expect 17:05 Breaking Through Industry Gatekeeping 21:30 Diversifying Income as a Therapist 25:10 Building a Sustainable Practice 28:45 Final Thoughts & Advice
✨ Want more of Kamber Peerboom?
Find her here:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapistkamber?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnOd3oa7iVk-1EK0-iZRnurOLAuoaZgt_7cgrHsEKl5QYJePxA8cXmtfm8LSg_aem_FeadHYgbRm0mgVEvM3haYAInstagram: @meanoldersistertherapist
✨ Want to work with Hannah and the trauma therapy team at Revive Therapy Services?You’ve gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.comAnd don’t forget to follow along on TikTok & IG: @revivetherapyservices
If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow Trauma, Tea, and Tangents and share it with a fellow therapist or someone considering private practice.
 

Two Trauma Therapists on How Childhood Trauma Shows Up in Relationships

What if the patterns showing up in your relationships didn’t start in adulthood—but in childhood?
In this episode of Trauma, Tea, and Tangents, host Hannah Guy sits down with trauma therapist Leslie Santana to unpack how childhood trauma and generational trauma shape the way we connect, attach, and respond in relationships.
Together, they explore how early experiences influence attachment styles, emotional regulation, and relational patterns—and why healing isn’t about “fixing” yourself, but creating safety in your body and environment.
You’ll also learn how neuroplasticity makes healing possible, no matter your past, and why slowing down is one of the most powerful tools in trauma recovery.
Whether you’re navigating relationship struggles, working through unresolved trauma, or simply trying to understand yourself on a deeper level, this episode offers both insight and practical tools you can begin using today.
In this episode, we cover:
How childhood trauma impacts adult relationships
Generational trauma and inherited patterns
Attachment styles and emotional responses
The role of safety in healing trauma
Neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to change
Why healing is non-linear (and what that actually means)
Tools for emotional regulation and somatic healing
How to build a foundation for healing outside of therapy
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Trauma and Relationships 05:50 Understanding Childhood and Generational Trauma 10:45 The Role of Safety in Healing 15:02 The Importance of Slowing Down in Healing 20:13 Therapy: A Vehicle for Healing 24:20 Building Foundations for Healing Outside Therapy 28:55 The Healing Power of Social Media 30:26 Outro
✨ Want more of  Leslie Santana?
Find her here:
Instagram:
@leslieinsession
✨ Want to work with Hannah and the trauma therapy team at Revive Therapy Services?You’ve gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.comAnd don’t forget to follow along on TikTok & IG: @revivetherapyservices

It Was Never About Food: The Relationship Patterns Behind Eating Disorders

What if eating disorders aren’t just about food—but about relationships?
In this episode of Trauma Tea & Tangents, host Hannah Guy sits down with PsyD and eating disorder specialist Katelyn Campbell to explore the powerful connection between eating disorders, family dynamics, and the nervous system.
Together, they unpack how early relationships shape our connection to food, why eating disorders often develop as a form of protection, and how dissociation, control, and fear of abandonment play a role in maintaining these patterns.
This conversation goes beyond surface-level understanding and dives into the relational healing required for recovery—highlighting the importance of safe relationships, trust-building, vulnerability, and boundaries.
If you’ve ever struggled with body image, disordered eating, or feeling unsafe in relationships, this episode offers a compassionate and eye-opening perspective on what healing actually looks like.
In this episode, we cover:
How family dynamics influence eating disorders
The link between control, dissociation, and food behaviors
Why eating disorders can become a “voice” for unmet needs
The role of safe, supportive relationships in recovery
Fear of vulnerability and abandonment
How to build trust (slowly and safely)
Why boundaries are essential for healing
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Eating Disorders and Relationships02:39 The Family Dynamics of Eating Disorders05:24 Dissociation and Control in Eating Disorders08:14 The Role of Relationships in Healing10:50 Fear of Abandonment and Vulnerability13:38 Building Trust and Safe Relationships16:33 Gradual Healing and Taking Up Space19:20 The Importance of Setting Boundaries21:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
✨ Want more of Katelyn Campbell?
Find her here:
Website: katelyncampbellpsyd.com
TikTok: @growing.a.therapist
Instagram: dr.katelyncampbell
 
✨ Want to work with Hannah and the trauma therapy team at Revive Therapy Services?You’ve gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.comAnd don’t forget to follow along on TikTok & IG: @revivetherapyservices

The Truth About Diet Culture & Emotional Eating With A Dietician

Struggling with emotional eating, food guilt, or feeling stuck in the cycle of dieting? In this episode, we sit down with non-diet dietitian Rachel Meyer to unpack what it really means to build a healthy relationship with food—without restriction, shame, or rules.
We explore how diet culture impacts mental health, why labeling foods as “good” or “bad” can backfire, and how to reconnect with your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. Rachel shares practical, realistic strategies to help you move toward food freedom, body trust, and a more sustainable way of eating.
Whether you're navigating disordered eating patterns, burnout from dieting, or simply want a more balanced approach to nutrition, this episode offers a refreshing, evidence-based perspective.
✨ In this episode, we cover:• The hidden mental health costs of dieting• How food morality fuels guilt and shame• What a non-diet approach actually looks like• How to trust your body’s hunger and fullness signals• Practical steps toward intuitive and sustainable eating
If you’re ready to heal your relationship with food and step away from diet culture, this conversation is for you.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Building a Healthy Relationship with Food09:31 The Impact of Diet Culture on Mental Health18:31 Navigating Food Choices and Body Image24:34 Embracing Imperfection in Eating Habits
 
✨ Want more of Rachel Meyer?
Find her here:
Website: www.prolifestylenutrition.com
IG: @the.nondiet.dietitian
FB Page: Pro Lifestyle Nutrition 
 
✨ Want to work with Hannah and the trauma therapy team at Revive Therapy Services?You’ve gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.comAnd don’t forget to follow along on TikTok & IG: @revivetherapyservices

EMDR for Trauma: How It Actually Works

In this episode of Trauma, Tea, and Tangents, Hannah Guy interviews licensed mental health counselor Kristina Spurlock about EMDR therapy, trauma processing, and evidence-based approaches to trauma healing.
They explain how EMDR works, including its eight phases, bilateral stimulation, and how traumatic memories are stored and reprocessed in the brain. The conversation also explores adapting EMDR for complex trauma, neurodivergent clients, and high-stress populations like first responders.
Additional topics include somatic therapy integration, parts work, therapeutic relationship dynamics, and creative EMDR techniques such as somatic interweaves.
This episode is ideal for therapists, clinicians, and anyone interested in EMDR therapy, trauma recovery, and modern mental health approaches.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to EMDR and Therapist Dynamics02:50 Understanding EMDR: Basics and Protocols05:47 How Trauma Gets Stored in the Brain08:28 The Flexibility and Adaptability of EMDR11:12 What Clients Can Expect from EMDR13:47 Integrating Other Modalities with EMDR16:19 Empowering Clients in the Healing Process19:50 EMDR Protocols and Clinical Adaptations23:08 Creative Approaches in EMDR Therapy26:48 The Evolution of EMDR Techniques30:42 Why EMDR Works: The Science Behind It35:29 Somatic Approaches and Interweaves39:04 Advice for New EMDR Therapists
 
✨ Want more of Kristina Spurlock?
Find her here:
Website: https://www.healthinsightcounseling.com/
Instagram: @healthinsightcounseling
 
✨ Want to work with Hannah and the trauma therapy team at Revive Therapy Services?You’ve gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.comAnd don’t forget to follow along on TikTok & IG: @revivetherapyservices

From Body Hate to Body Neutral: Healing After an Eating Disorder

What does healing your relationship with your body actually look like after an eating disorder?
In this episode of Trauma, Tea, and Tangents, we sit down with Hannah Guy and Katelyn Campbell, Psy.D., who specializes in working with eating disorders, to explore the complex and non-linear journey of body image healing and recovery. From deep-rooted body hatred to developing body neutrality, this conversation breaks down what it really takes to move toward acceptance—without toxic positivity.
We talk about the societal pressures that shape negative body image, the role of cognitive rigidity in keeping people stuck, and how developing cognitive flexibility can support long-term healing. This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that “fully recovered” can look different for everyone.
Whether you’re navigating your own healing journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight, validation, and a more compassionate perspective on body image and eating disorder recovery.
In this episode, we cover:
Body image struggles after eating disorder recovery
The roots of body hatred and internalized beliefs
Moving from body hatred to body neutrality
Cognitive rigidity vs. cognitive flexibility in treatment
Redefining recovery and what “healed” really means
Finding identity and purpose beyond your body
Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Body Image and Eating Disorders05:43 Understanding the Roots of Body Hatred11:30 Moving Towards Body Neutrality16:41 Cognitive Rigidity and Flexibility in Treatment22:59 Finding Purpose Beyond Body Image
 
✨ Want more of Katelyn Campbell?
Find her here:
Website: katelyncampbellpsyd.com
TikTok: @growing.a.therapist
Instagram: dr.katelyncampbell
 
✨ Want to work with Hannah and the trauma therapy team at Revive Therapy Services?You’ve gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.comAnd don’t forget to follow along on TikTok & IG: @revivetherapyservices

Why Authenticity in Therapy Matters More Than Technique

What does it really mean to be authentic in therapy—and why does it matter so much for healing?
In this episode, Hannah Guy sits down with therapist Kamber Peerboom, LICSW, to explore how authenticity shapes the therapist-client relationship in ways that go far beyond traditional clinical training. They unpack the pressure therapists often feel to present as “perfect” or neutral, and how that can actually create distance instead of connection.
Together, they dive into the powerful concepts of rupture and repair, why those moments are not failures in therapy, and how they can deepen trust when handled with care. They also explore how social media is influencing the way therapists show up—and what that means for client expectations, boundaries, and finding the right therapeutic fit.
Whether you’re in therapy, considering starting, or a therapist yourself, this conversation offers an honest, nuanced look at what real connection and progress actually look like.
In this episode, we cover:
What authenticity in therapy actually looks like
How therapist training can sometimes discourage genuine connection
The role of rupture and repair in building trust
How social media is shaping therapist identity and client expectations
Why finding the right therapist fit matters more than you think
The subtle, often overlooked signs of progress in therapy
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Authenticity in Therapy05:56 Rupture and Repair in Therapy11:00 The Importance of Authentic Connections17:05 Social Media's Role in Therapy23:25 The Subtlety of Progress in Therapy
 
✨ Want more of Kamber Peerboom?
Find her here:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapistkamber?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnOd3oa7iVk-1EK0-iZRnurOLAuoaZgt_7cgrHsEKl5QYJePxA8cXmtfm8LSg_aem_FeadHYgbRm0mgVEvM3haYAInstagram: @meanoldersistertherapist
✨ Want to work with Hannah and the trauma therapy team at Revive Therapy Services?You’ve gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.comAnd don’t forget to follow along on TikTok & IG: @revivetherapyservices

Nutrition’s Hidden Role in Mental Health – Dietitian Explains

What if the way you eat could directly impact your mental health, mood, and stress levels?
In this episode, Hannah Guy sits down with registered dietitian Melissa Wadolowski to explore the powerful connection between nutrition and mental health. They break down the science of the gut-brain connection, explain how the gut microbiome influences mood and brain health, and share practical strategies for supporting mental wellness through balanced nutrition.
Learn why food shouldn’t be about restriction, how intuitive eating can help you rebuild a healthier relationship with food, and why sustainable, mindful eating habits are essential for long-term well-being. They also discuss the role of nutrients like magnesium for anxiety, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber in stress regulation, hormone balance, sleep quality, and emotional wellness.
If you’ve ever wondered how your diet, gut health, and eating habits can influence your mood, energy, or trauma recovery, this episode provides a compassionate and realistic approach to holistic mental health through nutrition.
Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Nutrition and Mental Health03:55 Understanding the Gut Microbiome06:26 Nutrition's Role in Mental Health09:11 Practical Nutrition for Mental Well-being12:01 The Importance of Sustainable Eating Habits14:44 Addressing Food Morality and Enjoyment17:42 Mindfulness in Eating20:26 Nutrition and Trauma Recovery23:12 The Role of Fiber and Omega-3s25:51 Fasting and Its Benefits28:39 Conclusion and Resources
 
✨ Want more of Melissa Wadolowski?
Find her here:
https://prolifestylenutrition.com/melissa-wadolowski/
https://prolifestylenutritionllc.practicebetter.io/#/67eb55881d0cb7c0a5eb5919/bookings?s=619d8a803980330c8461d5de&step=date
 
✨ Want to work with Hannah and the trauma therapy team at Revive Therapy Services?You’ve gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.comAnd don’t forget to follow along on TikTok & IG: @revivetherapyservices

Hyper-independence in Relationships: Why Vulnerability Feels So Hard

What is hyper-independence in relationships — and why does it make vulnerability feel so uncomfortable?
In this episode of Trauma, Tea, and Tangents, Hannah Guy is joined by guest Kelsey Wood, marriage and family therapist and coach, to explore how hyper-independence affects romantic relationships, dating patterns, emotional health, and long-term partnership dynamics.
If you’ve ever wondered:
Why do I struggle to be vulnerable in relationships?
Why do I feel like I can’t rely on my partner?
Why do I try to control outcomes in dating?
Why do I have such rigid expectations in romantic partnerships?
This conversation breaks down how hyper-independence develops, how it shows up in dating and romantic relationships, and why building inner self-trust is essential for healthy emotional intimacy.
Hyper-independence often creates a deep need for control, reinforces scarcity mindset in dating, and strengthens rigid expectations that block authentic connection. True intimacy requires releasing control, shifting beliefs about vulnerability, and learning to trust yourself from the inside out.
Chapters:
00:00 – Understanding Hyper-independence in Relationships07:00 – The Struggle for Vulnerability11:38 – Navigating Control and Trust15:10 – Dating Rules and Expectations20:22 – The Impact of Mindset on Relationships
✨ Want more of Kelsey Wood?Find her here:https://www.kelseywoodtherapyandcoaching.com/Instagram: @teatimetherapistSubstack: https://substack.com/@teatimetherapist
✨ Want to work with Hannah and the trauma therapy team at Revive Therapy Services?You’ve gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.comAnd don’t forget to follow along on TikTok & IG: @revivetherapyservices